Effect of planting density and inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of onion

Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(6): 3246-3250

International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences
ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 7 Number 06 (2018)
Journal homepage:

Original Research Article

/>
Effect of planting density and inorganic fertilizers on growth
and yield of onion
Pardeep Kumar*, Savita, Sushil Kumar, Vandana Thakur,
Darpreet Kaur and Ankush Kamboj
Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab (144411), India
*Corresponding author

ABSTRACT

Keywords
Planting Density,
Spacing, Growth,
Yield, Onion

Article Info
Accepted:
22 May 2018
Available Online:
10 June 2018

Haphazard and inappropriate plant spacing and poor soil fertility management practices are
among the major factors constraining onion production. Therefore, a field experiment was

conducted in Lovely Professional University from November 2017 to April 2018 to assess
the influence of spacing (15×10cnm, 15×10cm and 10×10cm) and different nitrogenous
fertilizers (Urea, Calcium nitrate and N:P:K mixture) on growth, yield, and quality of
onion. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) of
with three replications. Significant difference was observed among all the treatments. The
tallest plants (63.67cm) were obtained from the treatment with N: P: K applications well as
those spaced at 10 cm intra and inter row spacing. Nitrogen fertilizers and spacing
interacted significantly to influence all parameters. Thus, nitrogen fertilizer across the
increasing spacing significantly increased number of leaves (30 DAT) fresh bulb weight
and bulb diameter. The highest value of plant height (30, 60, and 90 DAT) and number of
leaves (60, 90 and 120 DAT) were observed from the application of calcium nitrate and
plant spacing of 15×10 cm. whereas total bulb yield was highest in T1S2 (18.53T ha-1). It
can be concluded that the highest benefit with low cost of production was obtained in
response to the application of nitrogen fertilizers (urea & calcium nitrate) and spacing
(15x10cm & 10x10cm) was optimum for producing the crop in the limited area.

Introduction
Onion (Allium cepa L., 2n= 16) is a very
important winter season crop belongs to
Alliaceae family (Sultana et al., 2007). It
requires proper vernalization temperature for
early flowering and higher yield of bulb
(Kabir et al., 2008). For flower induction it
requires low temperature (Khokhar et al.,
2007). Onion induce flowering in temperature
ranging from 5°C - 13°C, inflorescences
growth temperature between 20°C - 25°C
(Serkara et al., 2017). Onion has an anti-viral,

anti-bacterial,

anti-allergenic,
antiinflammatory property and due to the presence
of flavonoids it reduces the chances of cancer,
heart disease and diabetes (Belay et al., 2015).
Due to its several advantages it is very
important to adopt best agronomic practices
for the improvement of yield and quality of
bulb in onion. Nutrients have an important
role in improvement of productivity and
quality of vegetable crops. Onion is heavy
nutrient feeder crop due to its shallow and
unbranched root system; hence it require high
amount of fertilizers for obtaining good yield

3246


Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(6): 3246-3250

(Brewster, 1994; Rizk et al., 2012). Plant
spacing is also an important factor
determining onion yield and quality. In crop
production, canopy development is very
important to optimize light interception,
photosynthesis and dry matter accumulation to
harvestable parts. So crop canopy can be
managed by alternating row spacing and plant
population; as the plant density increases,
yield per unit area also increases (Silvertooth,
2001). Therefore the current research was

executed to determine the effect of planting
density and inorganic fertilizers on growth and
yield parameters of onion.
Materials and Methods
The field experiment was laid out at Main
Agricultural Research Farm of Lovely
Professional University, Phagwara during rabi
season during 2017in Randomized Block
Design (RBD) with three replications using
single Onion var. cv. “Red Nasik N-53”. It
consisted 10 treatments with 3 nitrogenous
fertilizers and spacing‟s in combinations viz;
T1S1 (Urea + 15 x 15 cm), T1S2 (Urea + 15 x
10 cm), T1S3 (Urea + 10 x 10 cm), T2S1
(CaNO3 + 15 x 15 cm), T2S2 (CaNo3 + 15 x
10 cm), T2S3 (CaNO3 + 10 x 10 cm), T3S1
(N:P:K + 15 x 15 cm), T3S2 (N:P:K + 15 x 10
cm), T3S3 (N:P:K + 10 x 10 cm), T0S0
(Control). The seedlings were raised by
preparing the raised beds at dimension of 3.0 x
1.2 x 0.15 m and by applying 40 kg of well
rotten farmyard manure and 0.5 kg diammonium phosphate per bed. The beds were
perfectly levelled and then onion seeds were
sown in line sowing. Forty five days old,
uniform and healthy seedlings were used for
transplanting. The transplanting was done at
the different spacing as mentioned in the
treatments. At the time of transplanting, upper
one third portions of leaves were removed to
decrease the rate of transpiration. Nitrogenous

fertilizers viz. Urea, CaNO3 and 19:19:19 (N:
P: K) were applied at three split doses as

mentioned in the treatments. Half dose of
nitrogen was applied as basal dose and
remaining half dose in split doses were given
after 30 and 60 days of transplanting
respectively. First light irrigation was given
just after planting. The subsequent irrigation
was given according to climatic requirement.
To keep the plots free from weeds and to
thrash the soil, first weeding was done after
one month in all treatments. Four weeding‟s
were done in each plot at different intervals.
To harvest the crop irrigation was stopped
before two weeks of harvest. Bulbs are
harvested
when
50%
top
leaves
collapsed.Observations were recorded on
growth and yield parameters.The data on
quantity observations recorded were subjected
to statistical analysis by using OPSTAT data
analysis online software(Sheoran et al., 1998).
Results and Discussion
Effect of fertilizers and spacing on growth
parameters
Plant height

Data presented in table 1 that wider spacing
and nitrogenous fertilizers had significant
effect on plant height. In the present
investigation, maximum plant height at 30, 60,
90 and 120 days after transplanting was
recorded in T2S3 and minimum in T3S1,
T1S1. Results showed that plant height was
highest in T2S3 (CaNO3 with 15 x 10cm
spacing). It is might be due to the effect of
wider spacing in which plant can grow freely
with proper utilization of nutrients and water
from the soil as well as with nitrogenous
fertilizer responsible for vegetative growth of
the crop. Results were in conformity with
Ahmed et al., (2017), Gebretsadik and
Dechassa (2016), Abuga (2014), Ghoname et
al., (2007) reported maximum plant height in
wider row spacing with nitrogenous fertilizers.

3247


Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(6): 3246-3250

Number of leaves
In the present experiment mean value of
number of leaves after 30 days of planting was
ranged from 2.7 to 3.34 (table 1). Result
revealed that T3S3, T2S3, T1S3, T3S2, T1S2
and T2S1 were significantly superior to

control. Number of leaves after 60 days of
planting was ranged from 3.93 to 4.80. T1S3
shows maximum number of leaves (4.80) and
minimum TISI (3.94). Results revealed that
T1S3was significantly superior in comparison
to control while T2S3 were statistically
similar. Number of leaves after 90 days of
transplanting was ranged from 5.00 to 5.64.
T2S3 shows maximum number of leaves
(5.64) and minimum in T2S1 (5.00). Results
showed that T2S3 (5.64) was statistically
similar with control. Number of leaves after
120 days of transplanting was ranged from
6.87 to 8.00. T2S3 shows maximum number
of leaves (8.00) and minimum (6.87) in T2S1.
Results observed that T2S3was significantly
superior in comparison to control. Number of
leaves was highest in T1S3, T2S3 and T3S3
might be due to the effect of wider spacing in
which plant can grow freely with proper

utilization of nutrients and water from the soil
and with nitrogenous fertilizer responsible for
vegetative growth of the crop. Additionally,
plants also used maximum sunlight efficiently
to put up better growth than those having
closer spacing. Results were in conformity
with Abuga (2014), Ghoname et al., (2007),
Naik and Hosamani (2004).
Effect of fertilizers and spacing on yield

parameters
Fresh bulb weight (kg)
It is an important yield parameter of onion, in
current study fresh bulb weight was ranged
from 95.89kg to 135.49kg. T3S3 shows
maximum weight of fresh bulb (135.49) and
minimum (95.89) in T2S3. Results revealed
that all the treatments, „T3S3, T1S3, T3S1,
T2S1, T1S1, T3S2, T1S2, T2S2 and T2S3
were statistically superior to control. Fresh
bulb weight was maximum in T3S3 (15×10)
might be due to the less plant population per
unit area. Results was conformity with Gupta
(1991) reported high fresh bulb weight at
15×10 spacing.

Table.1 Mean value for growth parameters
Treatment

T0S0
T1S1
T1S2
T1S3
T2S1
T2S2
T2S3
T3S1
T3S2
T3S3
C.D

SE (m)
C.V

30
DAT
19.72
18.13
18.22
19.80
17.23
17.34
20.35
15.50
19.87
20.06
2.65
8.22
0.88

Plant height (cm)
60
90
120
DAT
DAT
DAT
30.65
44.35
59.23
22.82

39.67
59.17
26.95
41.64
59.01
29.97
42.98
61.07
25.69
44.67
62.83
26.34
43.84
59.72
31.85
46.74
63.02
26.63
44.75
60.91
29.27
45.80
63.66
29.01
45.26
61.33
3.73
1.33
2.06
1.25

0.44
0.69
7.73
1.75
1.95

3248

Number of leaves per plant
30
60
90
120
DAT
DAT
DAT
DAT
3.14
4.40
5.54
7.60
3.07
3.94
5.14
7.54
3.20
4.27
5.14
7.34
3.34

4.80
5.27
6.87
3.00
4.14
5.00
7.47
2.74
4.20
5.20
7.34
3.34
4.74
5.64
8.00
2.94
4.27
5.27
7.34
3.20
4.27
5.34
7.34
3.34
4.34
5.27
7.34
0.27
0.38
0.20

0.16
0.09
0.13
0.07
0.05
4.92
5.03
2.19
1.21


Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(6): 3246-3250

Table.2 Mean value for yield parameters
Treatment
T0S0
T1S1
T1S2
T1S3
T2S1
T2S2
T2S3
T3S1
T3S2
T3S3
C.D.
SE(m)
C.V.

Fresh bulb weight (kg)

83.65
111.49
98.07
124.68
123.76
95.93
95.89
124.38
108.97
135.49
1.43
0.48
0.75

Bulb diameter (cm)
3.93
4.68
4.66
5.13
5.32
4.84
5.09
5.12
5.18
5.46
0.14
0.05
1.69

Bulb diameter (cm)

In the present investigation mean value of
bulb diameter was varied from 3.94 cm to
5.46 cm. T3S3 showed maximum bulb
diameter (5.46) and minimum in T0S0 (3.94).
It was noticed that T3S3, T2S1, T3S2, T1S3,
T3S1, T2S3, T2S2, T1S1 and T1S2 were
significantly superior values as compare to
control. Results were in conformity with
Islam et al., (2015) indicated increased bulb
diameter with wider spacing and minimum in
closure spacing in combination with N: P: K
fertilizer application. Bulb diameter was
maximum in T3S3 (15×10) due to wider
spacing plant produced large size bulbs.
Fresh bulb yield (t ha-1)
In the current study the total bulb yield
differed significantly by different spacing.
Fresh bulb yield was ranged from 18.22kg to
37.66kg. Results observed that T1S2, T2S1,
T3S2, T1S3, T3S2 and T2S2 were
significantly different in comparison to
control while T3S1 was statistically similar.
Fresh bulb yield was maximum in T1S2
(10×10) might be due to more number of bulb
produced per unit area. Plants also have used
maximum nutrients for production of more

Bulb yield (t ha-1)
23.74
18.22

37.66
32.53
34.04
31.89
21.44
28.39
32.74
31.89
6.46
2.16
12.78

number of bulbs. Result was in conformity
with Karsanbhai (2003) and Misra et al.,
(2016) showed high yield at less spacing
(10×10cm). Response to use of urea and
calcium nitrate mixture as a source of
nitrogenous fertilizers with decreasing
spacing
(15x10cm
and
10x10cm)
significantly increased the yield of the highest
fresh bulb weight and bulb diameter and bulb
yield as compare to wider spacing (15x15cm)
and N:P:K fertilizer. The highest yields of
these parameters were achieved in treatment
combination of the narrowest intra-row
spacing and urea as well as calcium nitrate
asa source of nitrogen. Therefore, the most

economically attractive combinations for
small scale farmers with low cost of
production and higher benefits were
application of urea and calcium nitrate along
with 10-15 cm inter-row spacing in the study
area.
References
Abuga, I. 2014. The effect of inorganic fertilizer
on onion production. International Journal of
Biological Sciences, 1(5):21-29.
Ahmed, I., Khan, M.A., Khan, N., Ahmed, N.,
Waheed, A., Saleem, F.Y., Khan, S. and
Aslam, S. 2017. Impact of plant spacing on

3249


Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(6): 3246-3250

garlic rust (Pucciniaallii), bulb yield and
yield component of garlic (Allium sativum
L.). Pakistan Journal of Agricultural
Research, 30(4): 380-385.
Belay, S., Mideska, D., Gebrezgiabher, S. and
Seifu, W. 2015. Effect of Intra-Row Spacing
on Growth and Yield Components of Adama
Red Onion (Allium Cepa L.) Cultivar under
Irrigation in Fiche, North Shoa Ethiopia.
Journal of Harmonized Research in Applied
Sciences, 3(4):231-240.

Brewster, J.L. 1994. Onion and other vegetable
alliums. CaBI International, Wallingford, UK.
Gebretsadik, K. and Dechassa, N. 2016.Effect of
Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates and Intra Row
Spacing on Bulb Yield of Onion (Allium cepa
L.) at Shire, Northern Ethiopia.International
Journal of Science and Research, 5(10):17691772.
Ghoname, A., El-Bassiony., A.M., Riad, G.S. and
Abd El-Baky, M.M.H. 2007.Reducing onion
bulbs flaking and increasing bulb yield
andquality by potassium and calcium
application. Australian Journal of Basic and
Applied Sciences, 1(4): 610-618.
Gupta, N.K. 1991. Studies on the spacing and
levels of nitrogen on the growth and yield of
onion (Allium cepa L.). Jawaharlal Mehra
Kriahi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur. 72 p.
Islam R.M., Mukherjee A., Quddus G.K., Sardar
K.P. and Hossain M. 2015. Effect of Spacing
and Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of
Onion. International Journal of Scientific &
Technology Research, 4(10): 308-312.
Kabir, M.R., Farooque, A.M., Hakim, M.A.,
Hossain, A. and Begum, R. 2008.Effect of
irrigation and duration of mother Bulb
Vernalization on the Growth, Yield and
Quality of Onion Seed. Journal of Science
and Technology, 6:136-141.

Karsanbhai, P.V. 2003.Effect of spacing and

nitrogen on growth, yield and quality of onion
(Allium cepa L.) var. local white. M.Sc
Anand Agricultural University Anand,
Gujarat.114 p.
Khokhar, K.M., Hadley, P. and Pearson, S. 2007.
Effect of cold temperature durations of onion
sets in store on the incidence of bolting,
bulbing
and
seed
yield.
Scientia
Horticulturae, 112:16–22.
Misra, A.D., Babu, S., Yadav, G. and Gudade, B.
2016. Response of common onion (Allium
cepa L.) to spacing and planting timein
Manipur valley of North-East India.
Vegetable Science. 43 (1): 112-116.
Naik, B.H and Hosamani, R.M. 2003. Effect of
spacing and nitrogen levels on growth and
yield of Kharif onion. Karnataka Journal of
Agriculture Science. 16 (1): 98-102.
Rizk, F.A., Shaheen, A.M., Abd El-Samad, E.H.
and Sawan, O.M. 2012. Effect of different
nitrogen plus phosphorus and sulphur
fertilizer levels on growth, yield and quality
of onion (AIlium cepa L.). Journal of Applied
Science Research, 8(7): 3353-3361.
Serkara, A., Pokluda, R., Vacchio, L.D., Somma,
S. and Caruso.2017. Interactions among

Genotype, Environment and Agronomic
Practices on Production and Quality of
Storage Onion (Allium cepa L.) – A Review.
Horticultural Science, 44(1): 21-42.
Silvertooth, C. J. 2001. Row spacing, plant
population, and yield relationships. Internet
document.
/>aprill999cc.html.
Sultana, M., Islam, A.K.M.A., Rasul, M.G., Mian,
M. And Hossain, T. 2007. Estimation of
correlation and path coefficients of seed yield
contributing traits in onion (Allium cepa L.).
Indian Journal of Horticulture, 57: 329-333.

How to cite this article:
Pardeep Kumar, Savita, Sushil Kumar, Vandana Thakur, Darpreet Kaur and Ankush Kamboj.
2018. Effect of planting density and inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of onion.
Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci. 7(06): 3246-3250. doi: />
3250